Salmon drives record first-quarter seafood exports, led by surging US demand
Norway exported seafood worth NOK 44 billion ($4.27 billion) in the first quarter of 2025 — up NOK 3.5 billion ($340 million) or 9 percent from the same period last year — with farmed salmon accounting for two-thirds of the total.
According to the Norwegian Seafood Council, salmon exports alone were valued at NOK 29.5 billion ($2.86 billion), an increase of 6 percent year-on-year, as harvest volumes rose and more superior-grade fish became available for export. Export volume of salmon grew by 16 percent, though average prices fell 11 percent to NOK 95.39 ($9.25) per kilo.
“The start of 2025 has been very positive for Norwegian salmon,” said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council. “Increased harvest volumes and more available superior fish have boosted exports to some of our largest and most important markets.”
The United States led growth in both value and volume. Norway exported 22,183 tonnes of salmon to the US in Q1, up 56 percent year-on-year, for a total value of NOK 4.9 billion ($475 million) — a 47 percent increase. “Prices have been low, and more fresh than frozen fish has been exported to the USA during this period,” said Anne-Kristine Øen, the Council’s envoy to the US.
Salmon also saw growth in China, where exports rose 37 percent to NOK 2.7 billion ($262 million). Other major salmon markets included Poland and France.
Despite the strong quarter, the industry remains wary of the broader trade environment. “We are now entering an uncertain time for world trade with increased tariffs,” said Fisheries Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss, referencing potential US protectionist measures. “Although the industry is adaptable, the situation may be challenging and lead to certain changes in the flow of goods for global seafood trade.”
In total, 72 percent of Norway’s seafood export value in Q1 came from aquaculture, with salmon by far the largest contributor.